Arsenal and England star Declan Rice has candidly addressed speculation about his potential Ballon d'Or candidacy, emphasising that his immediate priority lies with securing team success for the Gunners during this pivotal stage of their campaign.
Team Success Over Personal Glory
In an exclusive interview with The Sun, the 27-year-old midfielder acknowledged the honour of being mentioned in Ballon d'Or conversations but stressed that collective achievements take precedence. "It's unreal, obviously. You want to be involved in those conversations. They're the right ones to be involved in," Rice stated. "But also you see the recent Ballon d'Or winners, what they've won during their season. Hopefully we can have a successful season and I can be involved in those conversations. That would be amazing. If not, that's not something I am setting my eye on. I really want the team to do well first."
Crucial Quadruple Pursuit Underway
Since his club-record £105 million transfer from West Ham United in July 2023, Rice has become an indispensable figure in Mikel Arteta's squad, making 38 appearances across all competitions this season. Arsenal currently find themselves in an unprecedented position to challenge for four major trophies:
- Topping the Premier League table
- Facing Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on March 22
- Advancing to the FA Cup fifth round against Mansfield Town
- Progressing to the Champions League last sixteen
This ambitious quadruple charge comes as Arsenal seek to end a six-year major trophy drought, their last silverware being the 2020 FA Cup final victory over Chelsea. The psychological pressure to deliver has intensified following recent league stumbles, raising questions about the team's mental fortitude during critical moments.
Carabao Cup Final as Momentum Builder
Rice expressed particular enthusiasm for the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Premier League rivals Manchester City, viewing it as a potential catalyst for the remainder of the season. "I'm buzzing. It's everything we've been working towards," he revealed. "It's the first trophy that's up for grabs. It's one that you can take and then after that, go on in the Premier League and have full momentum. We're in a really good position now that we're in the final and now we have a chance to go and win it. But where it's in March, and then you still have two months left of the Prem, it's a real momentum builder. So it's one that we're definitely looking to go and win."
International Aspirations on the Horizon
Beyond club commitments, Rice harbours ambitions for international success with England at this summer's World Cup in North America. The Three Lions have been drawn in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, with the expanded 48-team tournament commencing on June 11 with Mexico versus South Africa. A strong performance in the World Cup could further bolster Rice's individual credentials, though he remains steadfast in his team-first mentality.
The coming months represent a defining period for both Rice and Arsenal, with multiple trophies within reach and the opportunity to cement their status among Europe's elite. While personal accolades like the Ballon d'Or remain a distant possibility, Rice's unwavering focus on collective achievement underscores his commitment to the Gunners' cause during this historic campaign.
